Top Embedded System Interview Questions With Answers For 2023

Introduction
 

A set of hardware and software components is known as an embedded system. It is developed to accomplish a specific task on a computer. The program or fixed function is carried out by the system. Most industries employ this. A large increase in demand is anticipated for embedded products as a result of ongoing expenditures in computers and artificial intelligence. There are thus good professional opportunities. Here are some excellent embedded systems interview questions and solutions that will be useful to all applicants. The majority of interview questions revolve around these topics.

Embedded System Interview Questions And Answers

Many reputable businesses are hiring for a variety of roles in embedded testing. There is a lot of room for experts in the job market. This blog post includes the most popular interview questions addressing the fundamentals of embedded systems. With the help of these inquiries, we hope you can complete your interview. 

1. What is an embedded system? 

An embedded system is a smaller, more specialised component of a larger electrical or mechanical system. It is a microprocessor- or microcontroller-based. 

2. What components make up the embedded system architecture? 

An embedded system typically consists of three parts: 

• Hardware: This consists of the CPU, memory, timers, I/O circuits, and circuits tailored to the needs of the system. 
• Software: It guarantees that system memory and processor speed are available. 
• The application program is supervised by the real-time operating system (RTOS). 

3. What does a semaphore do?

It is a shareable, non-negative variable that can be used by multiple threads. It resolves the crucial selection issue and brings the processes into harmony.

4. What core qualities define an embedded system? 

An embedded system has the following key features:

• Carries out a specific task and then does it again. 
• Strict limitations on the design metrics. 
• Constantly responds to environmental changes in the system. 
• Based on microcontrollers or microprocessors. 
• Software is designed to be flexible and Hardware for security and performance.

5. What types of embedded systems are there? 

There are four types based on performance and functional requirements: 

• Instantaneous embedded systems
• systems for embedded soft real-time 
• systems for embedded hard real-time 
• independent embedded systems 
• embedded systems that are networked 
• embedded systems on the move 

6. What are a few embedded systems applications? 

Here are the applications:

• Using a speed-checker device, spot reckless driving on the highway and alert the traffic authorities. 
• Control street lights and monitor car traffic on highways. 
• A traffic signal system that is dependent on traffic density at intersections regulates signal timing. 
• To use a GPS modem to pinpoint a vehicle's precise location. 
• For a remote control based on an Android application for a home automation system. 

7. What benefits does an embedded system offer?

The benefits of embedded systems are:

• It is trustworthy
• It is reasonably priced and compact.
• This guarantees mass production.
• It operates quickly and with little electricity.
• It raises the standard of the goods.

8. What drawbacks exist with embedded systems?
 

• Its use-and-throw nature makes it difficult to maintain.
• It doesn't advance technology.
• If it runs on batteries, it consumes less power.
• Backing up embedded files is challenging.

9. What is a microcontroller? 

Microcontrollers are standalone systems that are put into devices to regulate their functionality. Also known as embedded controllers.

10. What is Interrupt latency? How can it be reduced? 

Interrupt latency is the amount of time it takes for a service to resume normal operation after being interrupted. 

Reduced interrupt latency comes from: 

• Keeping ISRs brief and uncomplicated 
• immediate interruption repair 
• avoiding commands that lengthen the delay period 
• interruptions are given precedence over threads. 
• keeping away from improper APIs. 

Our Learners Also Read:  What are the main Hardware and Software Components of an Embedded System?

11. Describe the differences between a process and a thread

A thread is a section of a process that shares information with other threads while retaining its registers, counters, etc. A process is an application that is executed and running in different memory areas.

12. What purposes do timers serve?

The various functions of timers in embedded systems include:
 

• System Real-Time Clock (RTC)
• to start an event after a predetermined amount of time.
• to record an event's count value.
• to determine the space of time between two events.
• to cut down on the time required for various tasks.
• To plan jobs in an RTOS

13. Define RISC architecture

Reduced instruction set computer architecture is referred to as RISC architecture. It is a sort of microprocessor design that uses a condensed, highly optimised set of instructions to do computations as quickly as possible.

14. What common mistakes do embedded systems make?

Embedded system issues commonly include the following:
 

• Data lines not working
• Access to certain memory locations is lost.
• Incorrect control signals
• Memory device damage

15. What causes a system to become inoperative? What measures should you take to debug it?

A system could freeze for the following reasons:

• Heated system
• Increasing dusk
• Failure of the CPU fans
• Bad electrical connections

The steps to debug are:

• Keeping the area clear of dust and cleaning the system.
• Creating a cool climate to allow for easy airflow.
• Finding and installing the proper support drivers.

16. What is a reentrant function?

A function is reentrant when it may be safely called again after being halted during execution. The function continues where it left off when it is resumed.

17. Can we provide a parameter or value to the ISR?

Since nothing can flow through or return from ISR, this is not possible.

18. Why do segmentation fault errors occur?

A segmentation fault error is a runtime problem that can happen for many reasons, including the following:

• There is a chance that a pointer will not point to a legitimate address or memory location.
• if the user tries to access a read-only memory space.
• If a user uses a pointer to attempt to free a memory that has already been released.

19. What is a memory leak?

A memory leak happens when programmers construct objects or use memory to help memory and then forget to release it before the program is finished. As a result, memory is less available, and the application frequently crashes.

20. What is quality assurance in software?

Software testing is a term used to describe the software development process.

• Maintaining and enhancing the procedure
• Making sure standards and procedures are followed and that issues are identified and fixed.

Conclusion

We hope that these technical interview questions and answers on embedded systems will enable you to respond to interviews with greater assurance and preparedness. You must now become ready for the 2023 Embedded System Interview Questions if you are looking for work in the field of embedded systems. Each interview is different because of the various job profiles and demand.

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